Mining apparatus



M. P. HOLMES 1,884,692

MINING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 18, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet l l Oct. 25, 1932.

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MINING APPARATUS Filed Deo. 18, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Oct. Z5,1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MORRIS 1. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEIN`HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OFMASSACHUSETTS MINING APPARATUS Application led December 18, 1829. SerialNo. 415,050.

This invention relates to mining apparatus and more particularly, butnot exclusively, to coal mining apparatus of theV open or y strip pittype adapted to cut downwardly disposed vertical kerfs in the coalstrata.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved coal miningapparatus. Another object is to provide an improved coal miningapparatus adapted to cut downwardly disposed vertical lrerfs in the coalstrata in accordance with the strip or open pit method of mining. Afurther object is to provide an improved feeding mechanism for such acoal mining apparatus. These and other subsidiary objects of thisinvention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustrationone form which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. l is a plan view of the illustrative embodiment of the improvedmining apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the mining apparatus shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 3 is an enlargedtransverse sectional view taken substantially online BH3 of Fig. 2.

` Fig. le is an enlarged si de elevational view of the front cutterhead, parts being shown 30 in section to illustrate details ofconstruction.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially online 545 of Fig. 2, parts being shown in plan to facilitate iillustration.

35 Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially online 6-6 of Figs. 2 and 5. y v

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on line 7-7 ofFig. 5.

Fig.8 is a detail sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on line 9 9 of Fig.2.

Fig. 1() is a diagrammatic view illustrating l the apparatus operatingto make a dowir wardly disposed vertical sumping cut in the coal strata.

In this illustrative construction there is Y shown a coal miningapparatus of the open '5 or strip pit type adapted to cut downwardlydisposed lrerfs in the coal in accordance with the open or strip pitmethod of mining and generally comprising a low compact hori- Zontal,generally rectangular frame or body 1 supported on shoes or skids 2 forsliding 55 movement over the top surface of the` coal strata. Supportedon the rearward end of the frame is kerf cutting mechanism generallydesignated 3, while carried at the front end of the frame is theimproved feeding mecha- 6U nism generally designated 4. Housed withinthe frame 1 is a motor 5 operatively connected through improvedtransmission mechanism to the kerf cut-ting mechanism 3 and the feedingmechanism 4 as will later bede- 65 scribed. The motor 5 is hereinpreferably of the reversible electric type having its armature shaft 6horizontallydisposed and eX- tending longitudinally of the apparatus andprovided with any suitable electric control T: apparatus 6a including ausual controller handle 7 for controlling the iow of electrical energyto the various electrical circuits of the motor in a well known manner.

Now referring to the improved kerf cutting mechanism 3, it will be notedthat se! cured as by a keyto the rearward end of the motor armatureshaft 6 is a coupling member 7a (see Fig. 3) connected as byinterlocking teeth 8 to a longitudinally extending shaft 9 alined with`the motor shaft. This coupling member and the shaft 9 are suitablyjournaled within the machine frame and secured to the rearward end ofthe shaft is a bevel pinion 10 meshing with a bevel gear 11 rotatable ina vertical plane and secured as by a key to a transverse horizontalshaft 12. The shaft 12 is suitably ournaled within the cutter head frame13 and has secured thereto. and rotatableV therewith a spur pinion 14meshing with a spur gear 15. 'As shown inV Fig. 3, the spur gear 15 isrotatably mounted on anti-friction bearings supported by a transversehorizontal main cutter driving shaft 16. The hub of the spur gear 15 is95 clutched or otherwise connected at 17 to aclutch member 18 journaledon a bearing sleeve supported by the shaft 16. This clutchv member hasclutch teeth which are connect` ible by a shiftable toothed clutchmember 19 with clutch teeth 20 formed on the shaft 16. Any suitableoperating means is employed for shifting the `clutch member 19 andherein includes a pivoted cam actuated shipper yoke having a suitableoperating handle 21 conveniently located at the top of the cutter headframe. The clutch member 19 is guided for axial Vmovement within a bore22 formed within a cylindrical bearingvsupport member 23 secured in asuitable mannerto a cut ter supporting frame 24. K Securedas vby a key25 to the shaft 16 is a chain sprocket 26 which engages and drives anendless cutter bit carrying cutter chain 27 mounted for orbital movementon the margin of an elongated plane cutter bar 28. It will thus be seenthat when the clutch member 19is in its 'connected position as shown inFig. 3, the cutter chain may be rapidly circulated about the marginofthe Vcutter Vbar from thelmotor through bevel gearing 10, 11',spurgearing 14, 15, shaft 16v and the chain sprocket 26 driving thecutter chain. As illustrated, the cutter bar 28` is mounted` forvertical swinging movement about a transverse horizontal axis and asshown inAFig. 3 is carried by the supporting member 24. This supportmember is mounted' on the cutter frame for rotative movement about theaxis of the horizontal Vshaft 16 andhas secured thereto as by screws 29an annular bearing member 30 having anv inwardlyxdirected flange31.Secured as by screws 32to projecting ,brackets or lugs 33 preferablyformed integral with the cutter head frame 13 isY athrust ring 34, whileengaging'a shoulder on the support 24 andthe flange 31 on the Ibearingmember 30 are'thrust washers 34, engaging the opposite side sur faces ofthe'thrust ring 34. The hub of the frame member 2 4 is rotatably mountedat 35 on the cylindrical bearing supportv member 23. vIt will thus beseen that the cutter bar 28 is pivotally mounted for `vertical vswingingmovement about'a transverse horizontal axis on the cutter head frame. yY

Mechanism is .provided for swinging the cutter bar 28'about its pivotalaxis and here-v inincludes a spur pinion 36 meshing with the spur gear15r (seeF ig. 4) and secured to va transverse horizontal shaft 37. Alsosecured to and rotatable with the shaft 37 is a worm 38 meshing with afast speed worm wheel 39. This worm wheel is connectiblelby a frictiondisc clutch 40 to a vertical shaft 41 suitably journaled'within thecutter frame section 13.

"I Secured to the shaft 4l isa worm 42 meshing with a worm wheel 43journaled as shown in Fig. 3 on a transverse horizontal shaft 44suitably journaledwithin the cutter head frame. Secured as by akey tothe shaft 44 is a toothed clutch member 45 connectible by a shiftabletoothed clutch member'46to clutch teeth 47 formedon the worm wheelA 43.When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 3 the wormlwheel 43 isclutched to the shaft 44,.

The operating means for the clutch member 46 includes a pivoted shipperyoke 48 secured to a vertical operating rod rotatably mounted within thecutter head frame, and secured to the upper end of this rod is a usualoperating handle 49. Secured to the shaft 44 is a spur pinion 50'meshingwith an internal gear 51 herein formed integral with the annular bearingmember 36 foi` the cutter bar. At will thus be evident. thatvwhen thefriction clutch 40 is'. applied, the cutter bar may be swung upwardlyabout its pivotal axis at a relatively fast bar positioning speed. Asshown' in Fig. 4, a spur pinion 52 also meshes with the spur gearl andis secured to a transverse horizontal shaft 53.*A Also secured to androtatable with this shaft is a worm 54 meshing with a slow speed wormwheel 55. kThe teeth of this worm wheel areoppositely inclined from andof less inclination'than the teeth of the worm wheel 39. e The wormwheel 55 is connectible bya friction disc clutch 56, similar to.friction clutch 40 above referred to, to the vertical shaftf41.'y ltwill be evident that when the friction clutch 40 is released and thefriction clutch 56 is applied, the cutter bar may be swung downwardlyabout its pivotalaxis at a relatively slow speed, appropriate for cutting, in the opposite direction. Any suitable operating means isemployed for alternatively applying the friction clutches and hereinincludes a pressure plate 57 for each clutch having a suitable operatingrod 58 threadedly connected at 59 to the shaft 41 and extendingcentrally through the shaft and having secured thereto its upper end anoperating handle 60.` Yrlhe cutter head frame 13 is provided with avertically disposed rectangular provided .vith'similar depending bosses69 to whichV arev connected the front shoes or skids 2. Suitable tierods connected to the front and rear shoes maintain the latter in properrelation and prevent swinging thereof about their supports on themachine frame as the apparatus is fed over the mine surface.

blow referring to the improved feeding mechanism 4, it will benoted thatconnected to and alined with the motor shaft 6 is a lon gitudinallyextending shaft 71 (see Fig. 5) having fixed thereto a spur pinion'72.This spur pinion meshes with a spur gear 73 suit ably secured to ahorizontal longitudinally ext-ending shaft 7 4. rihe shaft 74 issuitablyjournaled within the feed `frame section 7 5 and has secured thereto aspur pinion 7 6 i meshing with a spur gear 77 suitably vsecured to alongitudinally extending shaft 78 arranged parallel with the shaft 74.Secured to the shaft 74 is worm 79 meshing with a fast speed worm wheel80. This worm wheel is connectible by a friction disc clutch 81 to ahorizontal shaft 82 extending transversely of the feed frame section andsuitably ournaled therein. Secured to the shaft 78 is a worm 83 meshingwith a slow speed worm wheel 84 connectibleby a friction clutch 85 tothe shaft 82. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 81 is appliedand the clutch 85 released the shaft 82 may be driven through the wormgearing 79, at a relatively fast speed, and upon release of the clutch81 and application of the clutch 85 the shaft may be driven in the samedirection at a relatively slow speed through the worm gearing 83, 84.The mechanism for effecting alternative application of the frictionclutches 81, will hereinafter be described. As shown in Fig. 6, keyed tothe shaft 82 is a bevel. pinion 86 meshing as shown in Fig. 5 withreverse bevels 87 and 88. These reverse bevels are selectivelyconnectible by friction clutches 89 and 9 0 respectively to a horizontalshaft 91 suitably jcurnaled within the frame section and extendinglongitudi nally of the apparatus at one side of the feed frame section.Alternative application of the friction clutches 89 and 90 therebyeffects rotation of the shaft 91 in either of opposite directions.Connected, as by a coupling 92, to the shaft 91 and alined with theshaft 91 is a shaft 93 likewise suitably journaled Within the feed framesection. Secured to the shaft 93 is a bevel gea-r 94meshing with a bevelgear 95 secured as by a key 9G to a transverse snaft 97. This shaft issuitably journaled within bearing brackets 98 carried by the feed framesection and has secured thereto a feed operating member, herein a feeddrum 99. found upon the feed drum 99 is a flexible feeding cable 100.Arrange-d at one side of the feed drum 99 at the opposite sides of thefeed frame section are guide rolls or sheaves 101 rotatable aboutupstanding axes for guiding the feed cable 100. It will thus be seenthat when the friction clutch 90 is applied and clutch 89 released, thefeed drum 99 maybe driven in winding direction at either a relativelyhigh speed or a relatively low speed. Upon release of the clutch 90 andapplication of the friction clutch 89 the drum 99 may be driven in theopposite or unwinding direction at either a fast or a slow speed.

The mechanism for effecting alternative application of the frictionclutches 89 and 90 in cludes a shiftable clutch applying member 102slidably mounted on the hubs of the ren verse bevels 87 and 88. Themeans for shifting the member 102 includes a pivoted shipper yoke 103having an operating rod 104 slidably mounted within the feed framesection. The operating means for the friction clutches 81 and 85includes shiftable clutch applying member 105, 106 respectively, eachhaving a pivoted operating yoke 107. These operating yokes are pivotallyconnected as by links 108 to the frame and by pivot pins 109 to a.transversely reciprocable operating rod 110 supported within the feedframe section. A pivoted lever 111 is provided for shifting the rod 110axially. The mechanism for controlling the operating rod 104 for theclutches 89, 90 and the pivoted operating lever 111 for the clutches 81,85 herein includes a two part trunnion 112 pivotally connected at 113 tothe bifurcated end of the lever 111. Housed within the trunnion 112 is asuitable ball thrust bearing 114 which engages an actuating shaft or rod115, the latter being horizontally disposed and extending transverselyof the apparatus. The outer end of this rod 115has keyed thereto at 116,a toothedclutch member 117, the teeth of which are adapted to cooperatewith internal clutch teeth 118 formed within a hand wheel 119. The handwheel surrounds the clutch member 117 and is slidable axially relativethereto. As shown in Fig. 7, the teeth 118 are connectible with clutchteeth 120 formed on the end of a pressure screw 121 threadedly connectedat 122 to a nut 123 herein preferably formed integral with a bracket 124secured to the side of the feed frame section. lnterposed between thehub of the clutch member 117 and the pressure screw 121 is a ball thrustbearing 125, while a similar ball thrust bearing 126 is interposedbetween the pressure screw and a shoulder on the rod 115. It will thusbe evident that when the clutch teeth 118 and 120 are connected, and thehand wheel 119 is rotated the pressurescrew 121 moves axially relativeto the stationary nut 123 and as a result, the rod 115 is shiftedaxially, effecting swinging of the lever 111 and applying one or theother of the friction clutches 81, 85. Herein preferably formed integralwith the rod 115 are cranks or arms 127 pivotally and slidably connectedat 128 (see also Fig. 8) to a toggle arm or link 129, the latter in turnbeing pivotally connected at 130 to a rocker arm 131 keyed at 132 to ahorizontal actuating shaft 133 arranged parallel with the shaft 115. Theshaft 133 is rotatably mounted within the feed frame section and securedto one end of the shaft 133 is a bifurcated arm 134 havingl itsprojecting ends disposed between spaced collars or abutments 135 securedto the actuating rod 104 for the clutch shipper yoke 103. From theforegoing, it is evident that when the hand wheel 119 is shiftedoutwardly and the clutch teeth 118 connected to the clutch teeth on theclutch member 117 and the hand wheel is rotated the rod 115 is rotatedand this rotative movement is transmitted through the crank, toggle linkand lli.)

rocker arm tothe transverse shaft133, and as a result, the arm 134i isswung laterally, shifting the rod 104; axially and applying one or theother of the clutches 89, 90. It will thus be seen that but a singlemanual control element is employed for controlling all ofthe feedcontrolling and reverse clutches.

The general mode of operation of the improved mining apparatus will nowbe described. The apparatus may be fed about the mine at arelativelyhigh haulage speed by applying the fast feed control clutch 81 and thefriction clutch 90 to effect rotation of the feed drum in windingdirection by power. W hen the apparatus is in the position shown inFig.2 with the cutter bar 28 in its longitudinal position, the operatormoves theclutch member 19V into its connected position and theY motor isstarted, causing the cutter chain 27 to be rapidly circulated about themargin of the cutter bar 28. The slow bar swing control clutch 56 is.then applied, thereby causing the cutter bar to swing downwardly aboutits pivot at a relatively slow cutting speed from the dotted lineposition shown at A in Fig. 10 to the full line position indicated at Bin that figure to effect the vertical sumping cut in the coal. Theclutch is then released, disconnecting the `bar swinging mechanism fromthe motor, theworm gearing of the bar swinging mechanism automaticallylocking the cutter bar against swinging movement relative to the machinebody. The feed cable 100 is' then extended to a suitable anchor inadvance of the apparatus and upon application ofthe slow feed controlclutch 85 and the reverse controlling friction 90 the feed drum 99 isrotated Vin a direction to wind in theV feed Vcable 100 Vat a relativelyslow cutting speed, moving the apparatus bodily over the surface of thecoal strata,thereby causing the cutter bar to cut aivertical downwardlydisposed lrerf in the coal strata over whichjthe apparatus moves. 1Whena rectilinear cut of the desired length has been completed, the feedcontrol clutches 85 and 90 are released and the fast bar swing controlclutch applied'toeffect upward swinginc' movement of the cutter bar fromthe coal to its initial position shownin Fig. 2. rllhe feed cablelOO canbe wound in at will at a relatively fast speed simply by applying thefast feed controlling clutch 81 to eifect'rotation of the feed drum inwinding direction at relatively fast speed. It will also be noted thatby applying the reverse friction 89 the feed drum 99 may be 'rotated inun-r winding direction at either a relatively fast speed'or a relativelyslow speed. Ifit is desired toangle the machine, for instance'to turnthe machine around to effect aout in the opposite directioirfrom thatshown in..

guide rolls 101 laterally from the side of the apparatus to a suitableanchor and as the feed cable is wound in by the feeding drum the forwardend of the machine is swung.

As a result of this invention it will be noted that an improved coalmining apparatus is provided adapted to cut downwardly disposed lrerfsin the coal strata in accordance with the open or strip pit7 system ofmining. It will further be noted that an improved coal mining apparatusis provided having improved flexible feeding means including a feed drumand cooperating cable and improved motor ldriven transmission meansforeffecting drum rotation in either of opposite directions selectively ata relatively high speed or at a relatively low speed. It will stillvfurther be evident that an improved mining apparatus is provided of anextremely low compact character, the machine body being mounted in animproved manner on shoes or skids for sliding movement over the' surfaceof the coal strata, thereby eliminating the necessity of auxiliaryguides or tracks. These and other uses and advantages of this inventionwill be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there-is in this application specifically described one form whichthe invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that thisform of the same is shown for purposes ofillustration and that theinvention may be modified and embodied in various other forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or the scope of the appendedclaims.

What I claim as new 'and desire to secur by Letters Patent is: 1. In amining apparatus, a'portable support, cutting mechanism carried thereby,a motor carried by said support, and feeding means driven by said motorincluding a feed operating member arranged on a horizontal transverselyextending aXis and vadapted to `cooperate directly with flexible feedingmeans, and driving means for said member including' a fast and slowpredetermined speed transmission means disposed generally on ahorizontal axis, and a reversing mechanism disposed generally on ahorizontal aXis in the drive between said transmission means and saidfeed operating member whereby the latter may be driven in either ofopposite directions at a relatively low cutting speed and at arelatively high moving speed.

f 2. In a'mining apparatus, a portable support, a motor'carried by saidsupport, cutting mechanism carried by said support and driven by saidVmotor, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operatingmember arranged on a horizontal transversely extending aXis and adaptedto coopcrate directly lwith flexible feeding means, driving mechanismfor said feed operating member including fast and slow predeterminedvspeed transmission means disposed generally on a horizontal axis, and areversing mechanism disposed generally on a horlzontal axis in the drivebetween said transmission means andsaidfeed operating member whereby thelatter may be driven in either of opposite directions at a relativelylow c utting speed and at a relatively high moving speed.

3. In a mining apparatus, a supporting frame mounted for slidingmovement over the surface of the material to be cut, cutting mechanismcarried by said frame and including a cutter bar swingable vertically tocut a vertical kerf, a motor carried by said frame,

`and feeding Vmechanism *including a feedV drum mountedV on said framefor rotation about a transverse horizontal axis, mechanism driven bysaid motor and disposed generally on a horizontal axis parallel with thedrum axis for rotating said drum in the same winding direction atrelatively low speed and a relatively high speed without reversing the`motor, and means for effecting reversal of said feed drum at eitherspeed without reversing said cutting mechanism.

4. In a` mining apparatus, a supporting frame mounted for slidingmovement over the surface of the material to be cut, cutting mechanismcarried by said frame and including a cutter bar swingable vertically tocut a vertical lzerf, a motor carried by said frame, and feedingmechanism including a feed drum mounted on said frame for rotation abouta transverse horizontal axis, mechanism driven by said motor anddisposed generally on a horizontal axis parallel with the drum axis forrotating said drum in the same winding direction at relatively low speedand a relatively high speed, and means for effecting reversal of saiddrum at either speed without reversing said motor.

5. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cutting means, offeeding means therefor including a feed operating member arranged on ahorizontal transversely extending axis and adapted to cooperate directlywith flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving saidmember in either of opposite directions at a. relatively high speed orat a relatively low speed including a fast and slow speed transmissionmechanism disposed generally on a horizontal axis parallel with the axisof said feed operating member, and a reversing mechanism in the drivebetween said transmission mechanism and said feed operating member.

6. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cutting means, offeeding means therefor including a feed operating member arranged on ahorizontal transversely extending axis and adapted to cooperate directlywith fiexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving saidmember in either of opposite directions at a relatively high speed or ata relatively low speed including a fastV and slow speed transmissionmechanism disposed generally on a horizontal axis parallel with the axisof said feed operating member,` said transmission mechanism including afast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train and separatecontrolling clutches for each gear train, and a `reversing mechanism inthe drive between said transmission mechanism and said feed operatingmember.

7. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cutting means, offeeding means therefor including a feed operating member adapted tocooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddevices for driving said member in either of opposite directions at arelatively high speed or at a relatively low speed including a fast andslow speed transmission mechanism arranged generally on an axes parallelwith the axis of said feed operating member, and a reversing mechanismin the drive between said transmission mechanism and said feed operatingmember, said reversing mechanism including oppositely rotating gears andclutches for selectively connecting said gears in driving relation withsaid feed operating member.

8. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cutting means, offeeding means therefor including a feed operating member adapted tocooperate directly with iiexible feeding means, and motor operateddevices for driving said member in either of opposite directions at arela-tively high speed or at a relatively low speed including a fast andslow speed transmission mechanism arranged generally on an axis parallelwith the axis of said feed operating member, said transmission mechanismincluding a fast speed gear train and a slow speed gear train andseparate controlling clutches for each gear train, and a reversingmechanism in the drive between said transmission mechanism and said feedoperating member, said reversing mechanism including oppositely rotatinggears and clutches for selectively connecting said gears in drivingrelation with said feed operating member.

9. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cutting mechanism,of feeding means therefor including a feed operating member disposed ona horizontal axis extending transversely of the apparatus and adapted tocooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operateddevices for rotating said member in either of opposite directions atrelatively high speed or at relatively low speed and including a pluralspeed transmission mechanism arranged generally on a transverselyextending axis, and a reversing mechanism in the drive between saidtransmission mechanism and said feed operating member.

`lO. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cutting mechanism,of feeding ioo l a horizontal aXisand clutches for selectivelyconnectlng said gears 1n driving relation with means therefor including'a feed operating means therefor including` a feed operating memberdisposed on a horizontal aXis Yextending transverselyv of the apparatusandY adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding.

. said feed operating member, and areversing mechanism in the drivebetween said transmission mechanismand said feed operating member, saidreversing mechanism including coaxiall opposltelyrotatmg gears arrangedony -a longitudinally extending axis and clutches for selectivelyconnecting said gears inlsd'riving relation withsaid feed operatingmember.

'11', In a mining apparatus, the combination with'kerf cuttingmechanism, of feeding means therefor including a feed operating member'disposed on a horizontal axis ex-V tending transversely of theapparatus and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means,and motor operated devices for rotating said member in either ofopposite directions at relatively high speed or at relatively low speedand including a plural speed' transmission mechanism arranged generally'on a horizontal axis,an d a reversing mechanism in the drive betweensaid transmission mechanismand said feed operating member, saidreversing mechanism including coaxial oppositely rotating gears disposedon said feed operating member. Y,

` l2. In a mining apparatus, the combination with kerf cuttingvmechanism, of feeding member disposed on a horizontal axis extendingtransversely of the apparatus and adapted to cooperate directly withflexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for rotating saidmember in either of opposite directions at relatively high speed or atrelatively low speed and including a plural speed transmission mechanismarranged. generally on a horizontal axis, and a reversing mechanism inthe drive between said transmission mechanism and said feedoperatingmember. said reversing mechanism including coaxial oppositely rotatinggears disposed on a horizonta'l axis 'extending longitudinally of theapparatus, and clutches for selectively connecting said gears in drivingrelation with said feed operating member.

l 13. `In a mining apparatus,.the combination with lerf cuttingmechanism, of feeding means therefor including a feed operating memberarranged on a horizontal transversely extending axis'and adapted tokcooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motoryoperateddevices for rotating said member in either of oppositeydirections at relatively high speed or at relatively low speed includinga plural'speed transmission mechanism including afastrspeed terminalgear and a slow speed terminal gear disposed in coaxial relation Yonahorizontal axis arranged transversely of the apparatus and separateclutches controlling said gears, and a reversing mechanism in the drivebetween said transmission mechanism and, said feed operating member. a

lfl. In a mining apparatus, the combination with lerf cutting mechanism,of feeding means therefor including a feed operating member disposedon ahorizontal axis and adapted to cooperate ldirectly with flexible feedingmeans, and Vmotor operated devices for rotating said member in either ofopposite directions at relatively high speed or at relatively lowspeedincluding a plural speed transmission mechanism including a fast speedterminal .gear and a slow speed terminal gear disposed in coaxialrelation on a horizontal'transversely extending axis and separateclutches controlling said gears, and a reversing mechanism in the drivebetween said transmission mechanism and said feed operating member, saidreversing mechanism including coaxial reverselyrotating elementsdisposed on an axis perpendicular to the axial line of said fast andslow speed terminal gears.

l5. Ina mining apparatus, the combination with lrerf cutting mechanism,of feeding means therefor including ar-feed operating member disposed ona horizontal axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexiblefeeding means, andV motor operated devices for rotating said member ineither of opposite directions at'rrelatively high speed or at relativelylow speed including a plural speed transmission mechanism including. afast speed terminal gear and a slow speed terminal gear disposed incoaxial relation on a horizontal axis arranged transversely of theapparatus and separate clutches controlling said gears, and areversing'mechanism in the drive between said transmission mechanism andsaid feed operating member, said reversing mechanism including coaxialreversely rotating elements disposed on an axis perpendicular to theaxial line of said fast and slow speed in the drive between saidtransmission mechanism and said feed operating member and disposedgenerally on a. horizontal axis eX- tending longitudinally and at oneside of the apparatus.

l?. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a horizontal machine body,front and rear skids slidably engaging the surface of the material to bemined and supporting said body, a frame rigidly secured to the rearwardend of said horizontal machine body and having a vertically disposedportion projecting downwardly between the rear skids, said downwardlyprojecting frame portion supporting devices for connecting said body tosaid rear skids, and kerf cutting mechanism including a cutter headframe disposed in a substantially vertical position and rigidly securedto said vertical fra-me portion, and a cutter bar pivotally mounted onsaid cutter head frame to sving vertically in its plane relative theretoto cut a vertical downwardly extending kerf in the material over whichthe apparatus moves during the cutting operation.

18. In a mining apparatus, the combina.- tion of a horizontal machinebody, front and rear skids slidably engaging the surface of the materialto be mined and supporting said body, a frame rigidly secured to therearward end of said horizontal machine body and having a verticallydisposed portion projecting downwardly between the rear skids, saiddownwardly projecting frame portion supporting devices for connectingsaid body to said rear skids, said machine body having depending frameportions supporting devices for attaching said body to said front skids,and kerf cutting mechanism including a cutter head frame disposed in asubstantially vertical position and rigidly secured to said verticalframe portion, and a cutter bar pivotally mounted on said critter headframe to swing vertically in its plane relative thereto to cut avertical downwardly extending kerf in the material over which theapparatus moves during the cutting operation.

19. In al mining apparatus, the combination of a horizontal machine bodyand a portable base therefor, a frame having a horizontal portionrigidly secured to the rearward end of said horizontal machine body andhaving Ia vertical portion disposed at substantially right angles tosaid horizontal portion, kerf cutting mechanism including a cutter headarranged in a substantially vertical position and rigidly secured tosaidvertical frame portion, and a cutter bar pivotally mounted on said headto swing vertically in its plane relative thereto, and devices forpropelling said portable base bodily along the mine surface to effectrectilinear feeding movement of said cutter bar and including a feedoperating member and cooperating flexible feeding means connectible toan extraneous abutment in advance of the apparatus.

20. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a horizontal machine bodyincluding a front motor housing, front and rear members supporting saidbody, a motor in said motor housing, a frame having a horizontal portionrigidly secured to the rearward end of said horizontal motor housingvand having a vertical portion disposed at substantially right angles tosaid horizontal portion, kerf cutting mechanism driven by said motorincluding a cutter head frame 'arranged in a substantially verticalposition and having a vertical portion rigidly secured to said verticalframe portion and a cutter bar pivotally mounted on said head to swingvertically in its plane relative thereto, and devices for propellingsaid body bodily along the surface of the mine to effect rectilinearfeeding movement of said cutter bar and including a feed operatingmember and cooperating eXible feeding means connectible to an eX-traneous abutment in 'advance of the ma chine.

2l. In a mining apparatus, the combination of a horizontal machine body,front and rear skids supporting said body, a cutter head secured to therearward end of said body and having a vertically disposed portionprojecting downwardly between the rear skids, said downwardly projectingframe portion supporting devices for attaching the rear skids to saidbody, and kerf cutting mechanism carried by saidcutter head andincluding a plane cutter bar pivotally mounted on said head frame toswing vertically in its plane relative thereto to cut a verticaldownwardly extending kerf in the material over which the 'apparatusmoves.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

MORRIS I). HOLMES.

